All You Need To Know About Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
A major improvement has been observed in the methods of treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma , antimyeloma agents, and the latest treatment- the stem cell transplant. But then the role of each- time of starting the treatment, choice of methods or the suitability of transplant is still unclear. As Relapsed Multiple Myeloma is not curable completely, it is highly likely that a person will relapse at some future point. Cancer resurfaces after a gap of remission or after treatment.
To learn more about the relapsed multiple myeloma, go through the following:
- When staring at a possibility of relapsed myeloma, it is imperative to discuss the disease in detail with your physician. One must seek a second opinion before starting out on a line of treatment. Your doctor will also advise you to do so. The chosen approach for treatment will require a careful scrutiny by the doctor about the outcomes of previous treatments, the toxicities linked to them, and another prognosis. Most of the patients who have relapsed myeloma must have received some treatments earlier so the onus lies with the doctor to advise and guide about the correct time of starting the therapy depending on the condition and tolerance level of the patient, responsiveness to prior medication, adverse effects if any, drugs already received for previous treatment by patients with relapse, and effectiveness of the treatment schedule.
- With new drugs, newer research, and ongoing clinical trials, there are various options available for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. The availability of two and three drug combinations makes it a promising effective treatment. In newly diagnosed patients, the triple-drug combination is advised depending on the preference and response rate. In certain patients, high dose chemotherapy is carried out and then autologous stem cell transplant consolidates the treatment. The appropriate course of action is decided case by case as each is unique.
- Relapsed Multiple Myeloma is generally seen in older patients and very rarely in young people. Palliative and supportive care need to be considered in some cases. This also allows the patients to respond deeply and better.
Relapsed multiple myeloma can be effectively managed when therapies are considered for the entire duration of the disease rather than opting for a step by step strategy. Patients with myeloma are now expected to live longer and live a quality life.